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Old 06-23-2017, 07:43 PM   #1
2017 Windjammer 3029w
 
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Fueling vehicle with trailer in tow.

We go camping a lot in our Windjammer 3019 and is only about 70 miles away, so we have had no issues. However, we are wanting to make a longer trip soon and wondering while driving with trailer, how do you determine where to gas up the truck? Other than on interstates most gas stations would be difficult to pull in to gas up truck with another 35 foot trailer behing the vehicle and most do not seem to be capable of allowing truck and trailer to fuel up. May not be an issue, but looks like on normal highways, it could be difficult. Am I over analyzing this?
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Old 06-23-2017, 07:52 PM   #2
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Don't know what TV you have but I too have a windjammer and had the same experience. My solution was to install a 45 gallon auxiliary tank in the bed of my diesel f250 and I can travel all day, set up camp, go fuel up the truck. This only works with diesel unfortunately. Can't do with a gasser.

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Old 06-23-2017, 07:54 PM   #3
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Yes,over analyzing. Stick with the major chains Pilot/flying J, Loves, Wawa, Circle K etc. Usually plenty of room to get around especially if they have RV lanes. End pumps are best and check out the layout via Google maps or Earth before you pull in. I assume u use gas, diesel is for easier at truck stops. Happy travels.
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Old 06-23-2017, 08:13 PM   #4
2017 Windjammer 3029w
 
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I do have gasoline with my truck having a 30 gallon tank and get about 8mpg. The bigger stations mentioned are usually on freeways. On state highways, the stations are typically smaller, but may can find some bigger but even many smaller town Walmarts are not long enough to support larger vehiclrs. I do have a portable 14 gallon fuel tank that I keep, and can pull over to fill up and maybe that gets a days worth of driving anyway. I know it isn't a problem on interstates, but Texas state highways are not near as big with truck stop stations or major big stations. Just wondeting how others insure they have access to fuel stops.
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Old 06-23-2017, 08:18 PM   #5
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It is what it is. I try to start looking for options about 100 miles before empty. I look for stations that have pumps facing the road. That way you can pull straight in and easy out. If you see one and pass it, take the time to get back to it. Less stress. But sometimes you just have to trust your abilities to maneuver your rig.
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Old 06-23-2017, 08:25 PM   #6
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Map out your route before heading out, utilize google earth and take advantage of a good GPS unit which should list services where you're at.
Start considering refueling when just below 1/2 tank, don't wait.
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Old 06-23-2017, 09:16 PM   #7
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My truck has a 25 gallon tank and I assume 10 mpg for a no wind condition. That gives me 250 miles to empty. I look for a suitable station at about the 175 mile point that way I have plenty of safety. I use Google Maps in satellite view to find a pump setup that I can pull into without too much hassle. I prefer pumps parallel to the road rather than perpendicular or angled. I make a list of the preferred stations along the way and fill up at those if at all possible. If I travel in isolated areas where stations may be farther apart I carry two 5 gallon jerry cans that I could use in an emergency and also look to fill up at the half tank mark.
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Old 06-24-2017, 07:29 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by RusLwt001 View Post
It is what it is. I try to start looking for options about 100 miles before empty. I look for stations that have pumps facing the road. That way you can pull straight in and easy out. If you see one and pass it, take the time to get back to it. Less stress. But sometimes you just have to trust your abilities to maneuver your rig.
X2. As soon as we get low on fuel I continue to look for gas stations that we can fairly easily get in and out of. We have diesel so some of the end pumps are tricky to get to but you will get used to maneuvering in and out just as backing it into tight campsites. Good luck.
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Old 06-24-2017, 08:00 AM   #9
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Where ever you stop, just remember the tail swing of camper. Just cuz the front made it, doesn't mean rear will.

Father in law ripped his back bumper, the factory rack with his generator and spare tire off when he caught the safety rails to pumps manuvering out of a tight gas pump last year.
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Old 06-24-2017, 08:04 AM   #10
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No offense to gassers, but this is why I'm glad I switched to a 6.6L Duramax diesel. This is my first summer with the Duramax and so far we've done trips in the 30, 50 and 80 mile range. My mpg is averaging about 17.8, with 18.4 being the best... pulling a 2018 FR 304BS 36' and just shy of 10,000lbs, as opposed to the 8 - 9mpg I was getting with 5.3, 5.4 and 6.0 gas TV's pulling 6500lbs loaded. We're planning longer runs and have been mapping out truck stops along the routes, so as not to run into a situation of not being able to pull into some convenience store and having to maneuver out of there.
Our neighbors have been extremely helpful with knowledge of long trips. They did 2 trips which lasted from the end of May to September with their Montana 5er, the last one being 2 years ago. They are a great source of information when I need it.
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Old 06-24-2017, 08:19 AM   #11
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We travel on State roads and there are many stations that you "Can't Get In",start looking for Fuel at 1/2-1/4 tank,Don't pass up a "Easy In - Easy Out" station on Hopes that you will find "Cheaper Fuel" down the road! If you end up at a location where it is going to be "Hard/Close" to enter-leave "Have your Passenger get OUT and Help watch for Obstacles on ALL sides"! Take your Time,people are going to be "Inconsiderate" regardless what you do,just Take Your Time,you are the one who Pays for "Being in a Hurry"! We tow a 34' unit also! Youroo!!
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Old 06-24-2017, 09:00 AM   #12
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I just use truck stops, and use the truck fueling lanes.

Just be sure to pre pay, because (pilot at least) will preauthorize your card for 500 bucks a pop and it takes several days for those to drop off.

I purposely keep my travel cards at a relatively low limit to reduce the risk of loss if a number gets stolen (which has happened to me twice)

Edit : Ah, just realized you have a gasser.
Flying J at least seems to have rv lanes, but sometimes a pain dealing with the other people in the parking lot who are largely oblivious.

If I have to use an auto lane, I go for an outside one. If it's too tight pulling through forward when I leave, I sometimes just back out the same way I came in.

My camper is 42', tail swing is gawdawful and so is the distance the trailer axles track inside the turning radius of the truck. Not sure what the term for that is.
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Old 06-24-2017, 10:40 AM   #13
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I know the term for that happening on your TV is called "rear wheel cheat". I'm not sure what it's called for a trailer. Sounds like you need a bumper sticker on the back of your trailer that reads, "get out of my way". Lol.
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Old 06-24-2017, 10:43 AM   #14
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There is a book called "The Next Exit". It lists services at all Interestate exits in the U.S. You can find that information on Google. BUT, the book specifically lists "RV Friendly" gas stations, restaurants, etc. in red ink so you know which ones can accommodate you and your rig. We wouldn't travel without it. Amazon carries it.
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Old 06-24-2017, 11:29 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWolfPaq82 View Post
No offense to gassers, but this is why I'm glad I switched to a 6.6L Duramax diesel. This is my first summer with the Duramax and so far we've done trips in the 30, 50 and 80 mile range. My mpg is averaging about 17.8, with 18.4 being the best... pulling a 2018 FR 304BS 36' and just shy of 10,000lbs, as opposed to the 8 - 9mpg I was getting with 5.3, 5.4 and 6.0 gas TV's pulling 6500lbs loaded. We're planning longer runs and have been mapping out truck stops along the routes, so as not to run into a situation of not being able to pull into some convenience store and having to maneuver out of there.
Our neighbors have been extremely helpful with knowledge of long trips. They did 2 trips which lasted from the end of May to September with their Montana 5er, the last one being 2 years ago. They are a great source of information when I need it.
Wow, I have never heard such MPG, gas or Diesel, I average 10 to 11 pulling 9200 # 5er...Great for you...
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Old 06-24-2017, 11:41 AM   #16
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Planning ahead and using google earth as others have mentioned is key. But if you get stuck, you can always un-hook, gass up, hitch back up again.
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Old 06-24-2017, 12:00 PM   #17
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at 1/2 tank i start looking i had one close call never again i look for truck stop type stations and sometimes i have had close calls in and out of close quarter gas stations
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Old 06-24-2017, 12:12 PM   #18
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1 - Watch the height clearance of any station you pull onto.
2 - If your filling up gas instead of diesel make sure your propane is turned off.
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Old 06-24-2017, 12:23 PM   #19
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I have the myPilot app. It has a trip planner function and I can filter stations that have RV lanes. That and Google Maps in satellite view has been a great help for me. So far, so good!
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Old 06-24-2017, 12:23 PM   #20
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In a pinch you can always park the trailer, unhook , get your gas and hook back up. It's a pain I know. But I've seen it done many times.
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